Programs Just for Special Needs Kids

Variety - The Children's Charity of Greater Philadelphia- Various locations around Philadelphia
Variety provides a complete set of programs divided into summer and school year programs. Summer programming includes activities such as day camp, overnight camp, and extended school. School year programs include after school care, Saturday arts programs, athletics, socialization clubs, and even weekend retreats.

Special Olympics Philadelphia- Philadelphia
Emphasizing athletics, the Special Olympics has a wide variety of programs both school-based and community-based.  A few of the classes they offer include swimming, gymnastics, floor hockey, basketball, soccer, and tennis. 

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy- Philadelphia
Teaching children how to ride horses is the goal of Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy.  Specially designed for children and adults with disabilities, Pegasus focuses on activities designed to provide positive feedback. There is also a specific program for those with autism that focuses on activities designed to improve communications skills and social interaction, sensory integration, and behavior modification.

Katie's Komets- Philadelphia
Katie's Komets is a co-ed wheelchair basketball team for kids in elementary through high school with physical disabilities who would not otherwise be able to play basketball. Participation means becoming part of a team with practices and tournaments throughout the year. 

Places with Programs for Special Needs Kids

YMCA- Various
Check the local YMCA's schedule for Ability Programs. Depending on the location, there are gymnastics and aquatics programs for those with special needs.  

AMC- Various
AMC Movies offers family-friendly Sensory Friendly Movies on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. An opportunity to go to see a movie in a lighter, quieter, less stimulating environment. 

Sahara Sam's- Berlin, NJ
Special Needs Evenings at Sahara Sam's offer modified programming, quiet rooms, lifts, noise reduction, and more.   

Garden State Discovery Museum- Cherry Hill, NJ
Open Arms is a program for children on the autism spectrum. The events allow for exploration of the museum in a safe and relaxing environment.  

Please Touch Museum- Philadelphia
The Please Touch Museum hosts "Play Without Boundaries," special events with innovative tools to make a museum visit more comfortable and enjoyable for those with disabilities. The initiative creates a comprehensive welcoming structure for families of children with varying abilities.

Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Pennsylvania.